Police Station Assistance Dubai: Your Essential Guide to What to Do If Arrested and Navigating the Criminal Case Process in the UAE

Police Station Assistance Dubai: What to Do If Arrested & Navigating Public Prosecution Dubai and the Criminal Case Process UAE

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Immediate compliance with police prevents additional charges
• You have the right under the UAE Criminal Procedures Law to an interpreter (Art. 8), to be informed of the charge and to remain silent (Art. 48), and to consult your lawyer privately even under a no-communication order (Art. 105(2))
• Know your right to medical care
• Police custody: up to 48 hours; Public Prosecution must question within 24 hours and then decide on remand or release (Art. 48). Further remand follows Art. 107 timelines (7 days plus 14 days by Public Prosecution, then 30 days judicial extensions)
• No coercion is permitted in investigation or trial (Criminal Procedure Art. 2(3); Constitution Art. 26/28)
• Non-nationals: consular notification under the Vienna Convention
• Document every step—written records can make or break your defense
• Calm compliance reduces risk of additional charges

I. Immediate Steps If You’re Arrested in Dubai

If you are arrested in Dubai, calm compliance is crucial. Do not resist law enforcement; any obstruction may lead to extra charges. Cooperation from the outset helps preserve your rights.

Detention Timelines and Your Fundamental Rights

Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 allows detention for up to 48 hours at the police station. The police must either release the accused or transfer the file to public prosecution within this period. In fact, under Article 48(1)–(2) the police must inform the accused of the charge in a language they understand and of the right to remain silent; police must send the accused to Public Prosecution within 48 hours, and Public Prosecution must question the accused within 24 hours then either remand or release the accused. Any extension requires a judicial order, with reviews every 14 days (first 30 days) and every 30 days thereafter. Public Prosecution may order 7 days plus one 14-day renewal; thereafter, a judge may extend 30 days at a time (renewable) or release with or without bail (Art. 107).

Request Immediate Legal Representation

You have the right to legal assistance under Article 4. Demand access to a criminal defence lawyer before making any statements. If Arabic is a barrier, insist on an official interpreter to ensure full comprehension of proceedings.

Insist on Written Documentation

Always request written records of your arrest—time, place, charges, and officers involved. Under Article 66(2)–(3) the Public Prosecutor must sign each page and record all investigation procedures. Furthermore Article 61(2) requires a signed report when seizing items.

II. Securing Police Station Assistance in Dubai

Police station assistance bridges detainees and their legal safeguards. This service is especially vital for non-Arabic speakers and expatriates.

Scope of Services: Interpreter, Medical Care, and Consular Notification

• Interpreter Access: Article (8) – Engagement of Interpreters (the courts and public prosecution must use an interpreter if a participant is not fluent in Arabic).
• Medical Attention: Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2024 Regulating Penal & Correctional Institutions, request immediate healthcare if needed.
• Consular Notification: The Vienna Convention entitles foreign nationals to have their consulate informed. In fact the UAE is a party to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (acceded 24 Feb 1977); consular notification is standard practice for foreign nationals.

Dubai has also introduced smart police stations operating 24/7, offering report filing and document processing at all hours.

Steps to Engage a Lawyer and Secure Assistance

• Exercise your right to inform a person of your choosing and to consult a lawyer (per Art. 105 and Art. 106)
• Present your Emirates ID or passport copy.
• Submit a request for police station assistance.

Police Obligations & Prohibitions: Zero Coercion, Absolute Rights

The UAE Constitution and law forbid torture or force ). In fact Article 2 and 3 of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 concerning Criminal Procedures prohibit any physical or moral coercion in investigation or trial; the UAE Constitution Articles 26 and 28 protect personal liberty and due process. Torture is also criminalized under the UAE Penal Code. You have the right to legal counsel, and silence during questioning. In fact under Article 105(2), even if a “no-communication” order is issued, it is “without prejudice” to the accused’s right to meet their attorney in private at all times. Furthermore Article 48(1) requires informing the accused of their right to remain silent and the charge in a language they understand. Any coercion renders evidence inadmissible.

III. Navigating the Public Prosecution in Dubai

The public prosecution ensures lawful procedure and fairness in criminal investigations and decisions.

Roles, Authority & Overarching Safeguards

Article 5 of Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2022 defines Public Prosecution; Article 6 gives the Public Prosecution supervision of penal institutions; Article 65 confirms the Public Prosecution conducts investigations; Article 102 and Article 107 govern questioning and detention orders. It can dismiss cases, grant bail, or seek pre-trial detention.

Timeframes & Mandatory Judicial Review

Prosecution cannot detain you beyond 24 hours without charge, release, or remand (Article 47). Extensions require a judge’s order (initially 14 days, renewable).

Guidance for First Appearance

At your first hearing, you can remain silent, have a lawyer present, and must be informed of charges in a language you understand. A formal charge sheet is issued before any interrogation.

Possible Outcomes

• Case dismissal if evidence is insufficient
• Bail under Articles 110-119
• Criminal order for fines-only offenses
• Referral to court for trial
• Continued remand with judicial oversight
• Criminal orders (summary fines for eligible offenses): Arts. 338–347
• Criminal conciliation (settlement with victim in specified offenses): Arts. 350–356

IV. The Criminal Case Process in the UAE

A structured, multi-phase journey governed by procedural rules and constitutional safeguards.

Pre-Trial Investigation

Under Article 30, the prosecution gathers evidence, appoints experts (Article 65), and records all procedures. The defence can request procedures and present its own evidence.

Formal Charges & Transfer to Court

The prosecution prepares an indictment if evidence is sufficient, registers the case with the court, and serves a charge sheet. The trial then starts at the Court of First Instance.

The Judicial Trial: Plea Bargains, Hearings, and Defence Rights

Plea bargaining for Misdemeanors is covered under Articles 361 to 367; Plea bargaining for Felonies is covered under Articles 368 to 375. Article 376 mandates defense counsel’s presence. Trials are adversarial: prosecution presents first, defense cross-examines, then defense presents its case. Proceedings are in Arabic, with translation provided (Article 8).

Sentencing & Appeals

Judges issue written decisions. Sentences can include fines, jail, deportation, or alternatives. Appeals by the defendant must be submitted to the Court of Appeal within 15 days from the date of pronouncement of the judgment rendered in the presence of the parties, or as of the date of judgment rendered on the opposition proceeding (Art. 234(1)), and appeals by the Attorney General must be submitted within 30 days from the date of the judgment (Art. 234(4)). Cassation Appeals must be submitted to the Court of Cassation within 30 days from the date of the judgment, However, if the judgment is rendered as of in presence of the litigants, the time limit for challenging it on cassation grounds shall commence as of the date of its service (Art. 245).

V. Practical Tips, Checklist & Common Pitfalls

Do’s and Don’ts if Arrested in Dubai

Do: Comply calmly, request a lawyer, document officer details, insist on interpreters, and notify your consulate.

Don’t: Sign documents you don’t understand, resist arrest, discuss your case publicly, or delay legal assistance.

Seven-Point Immediate Action Checklist

1. Remain calm and cooperative
2. Request immediate legal representation under Article 4
3. Record officer names, badge numbers, and station location
4. Demand written documentation and translation before signing
5. Insist on professional interpreter services
6. Limit discussions to your lawyer
7. Notify your lawyer, family, and consulate

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Delayed legal counsel can lead to self-incrimination
• Language barriers risk critical misunderstandings
• Premature statements harm your defence
• Unsigned or misunderstood documents can create admissions
• Missed deadlines result in final judgments
• Poor documentation weakens legal position

Legal Document Templates

• Power of Attorney for criminal defence
• Request for provisional release (bail)
• Police station assistance request
• Appeal notice
• Request for case file access

VI. Conclusion

Act swiftly upon arrest. The 48-hour detention limit and 24-hour prosecution review underscore urgency. Prompt police station assistance is essential to trigger your legal protections.

Expert legal representation is critical for navigating procedures, protecting rights, and ensuring fair outcomes. From arrest through appeal, each stage offers risks and opportunities—full understanding and timely action make the difference.

VII. Appendix & Further Reading

UAE Constitution: Articles 25-28 on liberty and due process.

Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, Crimes and Penalties Law (in force from 2 Jan 2022): Penal Code (as amended).

Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022: Criminal Procedures Law (effective 1 Mar 2023).

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2024: Regulating Penal & Correctional Institutions.

Dubai Law No. 13 of 2016: Judicial Authority in the Emirate of Dubai (organizes courts and Public Prosecution).

FAQ

What is the maximum initial detention period?

Police may detain you up to 48 hours before either releasing you or handing your file to public prosecution.

Can I request an interpreter at any stage?

Yes—Article 8 guarantees interpreter services from arrest through trial if you do not understand Arabic.

How do I appeal a detention order?

You or your lawyer can file an appeal with the competent court immediately after a detention order is issued, as per procedural timelines in the Criminal Procedures Law.